I have for about 1.5 years been teaching a women's class on Sundays. At first it was a discipleship class. Since October I have been teaching about "Women of the Bible". I have been writing the lessons myself and enjoying every minute.
I spend a lot of time in research and in the Bible trying to find out how each of these women fit into the scarlet thread that is woven in the timeline of God and Christ.
If you don't understand about the scarlet thread it is believed that through out the accounts of the Bible Christ is a prominent feature. He is there in the Garden when a sacrifice is made to spare Adam and Eve, and He his there obviously in Revelation as a triumphant King! That scarlet thread touches each of the women who have been mentioned in the Bible in some way, yes even the "BAD" ones!
So, I have decided that I would begin sharing those lessons here. I was thinking about writing a book, or sharing them in a PDF after I am done, but that day may not come with my health. In the class we have not finished Genesis yet. We will be doing the lesson on Rebekah on Sunday. So when I feel God's prompting I will share a lesson. Today, I will share the first one, that introduced the series. I hope that eventually I will have shared most if not all of them as this goes on.
Please let me know what you think in the comments. If you live in the Kinder, Louisiana area and think you might like to attend we meet at 9:00 on Sunday Mornings at Kinder Bible Church. All women are welcome. We would love to have you attend.
Here is the lesson...
The Life of Women in Bible Times
Even though the women are mostly unseen figures in the background of the events in the Bible, there are many who stand out. It doesn’t matter if they are royalty or thought of as rabble, good or bad, their lives are honestly portrayed giving a picture of what God intended us to know about Him and His dealing with the people of earth.
Starting with creation, to the woman of the New Testament that helped usher in the age of the Church; God reveals His character through the lives of these women, yet their lives were not as easy as we may have it now. Compared to them our life may seem like a cakewalk. Their world was predominately a Man’s world, women even royalty were looked on as objects, or inferior beings. And yes, we see that still today in many places in the world and even here in the United States. It was different then.
The Old Testament
During the time of the Old Testament the women of Israel were treated differently than in the rest of the world. The law that Moses was given was designed to protect women, to shield her rights and to maintain her freedom.
In Deuteronomy 21-22 there are several laws that relate to women. First, in 21:10-14 deals with women taking captive during war. Second, verse 15-17 are rules for men who have two wives. And in chapter 22:13-30 the laws of sexual morality are given. Today, we find it hard to understand these laws because our culture and lifestyles are so different from those days. One thing stands out, God was on the woman’s side. He did not curse them in the way many may think, he set them apart for something better.
Under God’s law a woman’s liberties were greater, her daily life more diverse and meaningful, and her social standing more esteemed and commanding than that of the world around them.
To some degree women were considered property owned by men in the law. (Exodus 20:17) They were their father’s until he gave them to a man in marriage, which they really had no say in, then they were their husbands. The man had an obligation to provide for his wife. (Exodus 21:10). Women could own property and have an inheritance and bestow said inheritance (Numbers 27:1-11). They could also make vows or contracts, although these could be nullified by her father or husband (Numbers 30:2-16).
The laws of uncleanness are important in Biblical times (Exodus 15:19-30). Women were to separate themselves during their uncleanness, or menstrual cycle. Any one or any thing that touched her or her place would also be unclean until evening after washing their clothes and bathing.
These are not all the laws that pertain to women, but they are laws that are specific to women. As stated, before they helped set women apart and make them someone God could use to teach the children of the family. In Proverbs 6:20b -21, it says “My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck.”
Proverbs 31 is the most descriptive look at the Godly woman of the Old Testament, she was revered by her family. Her husband trusted her, she took care of them all and was profitable to the family. Because of her purity, diligence, and love for her husband, he was respected by the elders of the land.
The New Testament
Jesus taught that the original reason for the creation of woman was to be a helper for her husband. Not a slave or property, but as a companion to come alongside him and build him up, support him, and be his friend. Jesus believed that woman deserved respect and honor (Matthew 5:27-30).
During Christ’s ministry women were at the forefront of His team. His mother was a champion of His true nature, well most of the time. And all the other women who devoted themselves to Him seem to know who He was before the disciples did. They honored Him as such every chance they had, with precious herbs and oils.
They women of the early church stood out as movers and shakers, providing for the disciples and the missionaries that came into their worlds. Teaching the children and raising up followers of Christ.
Modern Times
Throughout history the roles of woman have shifted through culture and time. These roles have been changed by the objectifying of women and by them being put on a pedestal, brought on by their own acts or the acts of men. Woman have also been forerunners and heroines of human rights and life in general. They have brought about change in the world through their pain, suffering and bravery.
In a way to understand where we are today answer the following questions. Don’t research or spend a lot of time pondering, just give your thoughts and ideas.
What do you think was the biggest accomplishment brought about by women?
How have woman attributed to the objectifying of themselves and others?
What role do women have in this modern world good and/or bad?
How can we bring about change in our lives and the lives of other women of the world?
Thank you for reading! God Bless you!
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